A Personal Journey: From Keyboard Interruptions to Life Lessons

When we first developed Stac Pic, it began with a simple problem many cat owners will recognise – our rescue cat constantly laying across the keyboard or wandering directly in front of the screen during important video calls. What started as a minor inconvenience would soon become part of a much more significant journey.

We’d adopted Hermes from a local rescue centre, not knowing much about his background or health history. Like many new cat parents, we were simply excited to welcome this beautiful feline into our home. However, after several weeks of persistent sneezing that wouldn’t clear up despite various treatments, we knew something wasn’t quite right.

That’s when our veterinarian suggested testing for FIV – Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. When the results came back positive, we felt overwhelmed. We’d never heard of FIV before, and the term ‘feline HIV’ sounded terrifying. What did this mean for Hermes? What did it mean for our family?

What followed was an intensive period of research, veterinary consultations, and learning. We discovered that FIV isn’t the death sentence we initially feared, but it does require a different approach to caring for your beloved companion. Hermes taught us about resilience, adaptation, and the incredible spirit that cats possess.

For three precious years, Hermes was part of our family. He may have interrupted our work calls and claimed ownership of our keyboards, but he also brought immeasurable joy, love, and valuable lessons about feline health. When he eventually succumbed to an illness his compromised immune system couldn’t overcome, we were heartbroken but also grateful for every moment we’d shared.

This experience inspired us not only in our product development but also in our desire to help other cat owners navigate the FIV journey. The research we conducted during Hermes’s care forms the foundation of this comprehensive guide, and we hope it provides the understanding, hope, and practical advice that we wished we’d had from the beginning.

What is FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)?

FIV is a retrovirus that attacks a cat’s immune system, similar to how HIV affects humans. However, it’s crucial to understand that FIV cannot be transmitted from cats to humans or other non-feline animals. The virus specifically targets feline T-helper cells, gradually weakening the cat’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.

First discovered in 1986, FIV belongs to the same family of viruses as human HIV, but they are species-specific. This means your FIV-positive cat poses no health risk to you, your family, or other pets (except other cats).

How Do Cats Contract FIV?

Primary Transmission: Bite wounds are the most common way FIV spreads between cats. The virus is present in infected cats’ saliva, and deep bite wounds provide direct access to the bloodstream.

Other Transmission Routes: Mother to kitten (less common), sexual contact, shared food bowls (very rare).

What DOESN’T Spread FIV: Casual contact, litter trays, grooming, airborne particles, or human contact.

FIV Symptoms: Recognising the Signs

Early Stage: Mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, loss of appetite.

Asymptomatic Stage: Cats may appear healthy for years while virus remains dormant.

Progressive Stage: Chronic infections, dental disease, weight loss, respiratory infections, skin conditions, neurological symptoms.

Diagnosing FIV in Cats

Testing Methods: ELISA test (common but may show false positives), Western Blot test (confirmatory), PCR testing (most accurate).

When to Test: Before introducing new cats, after fights, during check-ups for outdoor cats, signs of chronic illness.

FIV Treatment and Management

No cure exists, but supportive care can help cats live happy lives.

Approaches: Regular vet monitoring, prompt infection treatment, high-quality diet, reduced stress, indoor lifestyle.

Medications: Antibiotics, antivirals, immune modulators, pain management.

Alternative Therapies: Nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, acupuncture.

Living with an FIV-Positive Cat

Environment: Indoor lifestyle, reduced stress, enrichment with toys and climbing structures.

Diet: High-quality commercial food, avoid raw diets.

Multi-Cat Households: Test all cats, separate FIV-positive cats if needed, monitor aggression.

FIV Prevention Strategies

Vaccination: Exists but not routinely recommended in the UK due to limited effectiveness.

Practical Methods: Neutering, keeping cats indoors, regular health monitoring.

FIV Prognosis and Life Expectancy

Factors: Age at diagnosis, overall health, lifestyle, presence of other conditions.

Expectation: Many cats live 5-10 years or more with care, some live normal lifespans.

Common Myths About FIV

Myth 1: FIV-positive cats should be euthanised → Reality: They can live fulfilling lives.

Myth 2: FIV cats are always sickly → Reality: Many remain healthy for years.

Myth 3: Humans can catch FIV → Reality: It is species-specific.

Myth 4: FIV cats can’t live with others → Reality: They can live with other FIV-positive cats safely.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

Seek help for persistent fever, breathing issues, severe weight loss, diarrhoea, neurological signs, or non-healing wounds.

Check-ups every 6–12 months for stable FIV cats.

Supporting FIV Research and Awareness

Support local cat charities, veterinary research, education programmes.

Conclusion: Hope for FIV-Positive Cats

An FIV diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. With care, knowledge, and support, FIV cats can live long, loving lives.

Every cat deserves love and care regardless of status. Consider adopting FIV-positive cats.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your cat’s needs.